Wednesday, October 31, 2007

So, what are you writing? What does your "book" say about you? Are you "writing" a page turner, or do you make "readers" want to slam your book shut? Think about it...

Our lives are like books. Our actions and words, expressions and convictions are all read by others. Do you smile when you pass someone? Do you growl at the service person? Do you say "thank you", "please", and "your welcome?" Or do you just rush off, paying no mind to anyone or anything except making it to your next destination?

Life is a book, this is true, and we each act as an author writing it. How will yours read? What is your index? Who is your book dedicated to? How many pages does it have? How will it end?

I guess I'd have to say my book is dedicated to those I love most:

My grandparents, who are deceased, especially my Grandma and Papa, who were rare and priceless. (I'll always miss you).

My parents, who have been my rock(s), and to whom I owe my life (literally). Without you, I'd be another domestic violence statistic.

My Aunt Dorothy, for all her beauty and inspiration--her "book" outweighs them all!

My Uncle A.C., who taught me the motto, "Be true to yourself...", and who somehow always found a way to help me find the silver lining to my mistakes. (You are missed).

Other special family members (you know who you are).

My index would be filled with good and bad chapters, sad and happy chapters, sometimes life-threatening chapters, but overall the roller coaster ride my readers engage in will be one they won't be bored with. In the end, my readers will see that through my mistakes, through all the pain there has been, through battling illness, obesity, domestic violence, and much more, that joy comes in the morning and the light shines so bright.

I know my book will have a lot of pages, too many to count. I have dozens of chapters to add, still yet, and anxiously anticipate filling those blank pages with success, inspiration, smiles, love and laughter!

Each day, as I write a new page, I desire to write with all honesty, integrity, emotion, realness, genuine care, my unique humor...

As the author of my "book", I want to be categorized as "Inspirational", "Uplifting", "Different", and "Special."

When my book closes (eons away!), my prayer is this:

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the life you gave that I might live and live it more abundantly.

Thank you for carrying me when I felt so alone, just like You said you would.

Thank you for touching my life in more ways than I can count.

Thank you for showing others through my own trials, that You grant victory to plain ole country girls like me.

Forgive all my mistakes, and show my readers how far I've come. Let them see that even when I wasn't perfect, I tried hard to always improve.

Thank you, oh thank you, for a wonderful, loving family.

Thank you for friends that I cherish so dear.

Thank you forsmiles and tears, for all my years.

Thank you for making me, me, and for giving me special talents and for giving me the courage to use them and share them with the world.

Thank you for showing me that my writing dreams aren't as far out of reach as I once thought.

And, Lord, when the day comes that you help me write the last sentence of the last chapter, let my readers know that my book isn't out of print. Tell them I'll write the sequel from Heaven...

Sunday, October 28, 2007

I thought I'd share my Sunday morning news with the rest of you. Originally, this particular work of mine wasn't going to be published (or posted online) until tomorrow, but with "cyber magic", it's already online today!

For anyone interested in reading my latest MedHunters article, One Last Good-bye, zip on down the cyber highway and check it out.MedHunters magazine is a great market for any medical, health issues, surgery-related, or even death-related stories you may have up your sleeve. Simply check out some of the stories they've already published and you'll notice when you come to the end of these pieces, there is an email address for submissions.

So, what are you waiting for? Feel free to take a peek at my non-fiction piece and then get busy brainstorming for your own. Write, polish, and submit to the email address provided! Good luck with your submissions and by all means, when they're accepted let me know so I can celebrate with you!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and may the new week bring much success writing the cyber highway!

8 things I'm passionate about:

8 things I want to do before I die:

1. Lose the last few pounds (I've lost over 100)2. Help more people3. Have published books4. Travel5. Eat chocolate without gaining weight6. Have book signings7. See scammers put out of business (I agree with Jenna on this)8. Go to the Oprah show (he he!)

8 things I say often:

1. Hmmm...2. Wait a minute (after all, I have to finish typing my thought!)3. I don't eat meat4. I need to go to the dentist5. Is the post office still open?6. What time is it?7. I need to lose weight8. I need to write

8 songs I could listen to over and over:

1. Meeting in the Air2. You Light Up My Life3. Grandpa4. Come and Dine5. Suffer Not the Children6. Mansion Over the Hilltop7. God Will Make This Trial a Blessing8. Amazing Grace*Yes, these are all Gospel and most of them I remember from childhood church visits with my Grandmother*

So, you've written your book and your manuscript is tucked away in a drawer, on a shelf, or maybe even under your bed. Why? How many years are you going to wait before you "hit the big time" find an agent OR an agent "finds" you?

While you dream of holding that book in your hands, your manuscript is gathering dust and that dream is fading, isn't it? Why wait? Why not self-publish?

I'm amazed that self-publishing is so frowned upon. Would you think twice about painting your own living room instead of hiring expensive painters? Would you think twice about cleaning your own house instead of hiring a maid (ok, maybe that isn't a good example!)? But, you get the point.

Honestly, I have several books in mind but I know the chances of a major publishing house printing my book(s) are slim to none. And, I'm an impatient gal!

In the craze of DIY projects, I think self-publishing is just the norm. The pros and cons will be different for each of you, but here's a list of mine:

Pros:1. I won't have to wait!2. I'll be a published author.3. It will be an accomplishment I can smile about.4. I'll be in control of pricing, distribution, marketing (which is a good thing if you get nervous about other people being in control!).5. I'll have my first book behind me and can free my mind to work on other projects (like more books, articles, etc.).6. I know I won't be dead before my book makes it to shelves ;0)7. It will be a learning experience I'll forever cherish!

Cons:Um..Hmm...Can't think of any!

Am I foolish? I don't think so! What would the cons be of having your book out there, being in control of its destiny, and accomplishing one of your greatest goals in life? I can't think of any myself, but hey, we're all different...

One of the places I've considered for a while is lulu.com. Why not? A lot of people seem to be having great success by taking matters into their own hands and just getting the job done! Isn't that the way life is? Didn't you ever hear your mother say, "If I want it done right, I'll have to do it myself." as you were growing up, or even now?

So, I googled "lulu.com, self-publishing" and found Lessons Learned Self-Publishing With Lulu and thought you might consider it interesting reading. Maybe it will help you make up your mind about your book's destiny.

Worried about editing? Hire an editor! Take matters into your own hands and get the ball rolling. Who else is going to have such passion and vision for your book, besides you?

Best wishes on your decision to self-publish and may you be continually successful writing the cyber highway!

NOTE: The article, "Lessons Learned Self-Publishing with Lulu", in this post is compliments of Google Blogoscoped. Head on over and check it out!

Monday, October 22, 2007

I must say "woo hoo!" is the perfect title for this post and this day. First thing this morning, I found an email from my editor informing me that my essay, One Last Good-bye, will be published October 29th. This will be the second story for me on MedHunters. They've bought a third but it will be published a little closer to the holidays ;0) as it relates to the season. So, that was an exciting thing to discover first thing in the morning, eh?

Then, the mail ran. What else did I receive besides a contract from Fate Magazine! Yes, indeed, they want to publish my story, Smokin' Ghost! Oddly enough both of these stories I mention are pretty much in the paranormal theme. Considering I write inspirational, that's hilarious.... But exciting!

Then, I received a phone call from another editor! But, I'm going to save this news for another day and you'll find out why soon enough ;0)

So, that's why today was a "woo hoo" day. Lots of good news for me. And, I managed to submit a few things as well!

Remember, it doesn't happen overnight and it doesn't happen by wishing to be a writer. You have to write and you HAVE to submit! It takes a lot of patience and waiting but it's sure worth it on the "woo hoo" days ;0)

I hope you have a great week with lots of "woo hoo" days ahead while writing the cyber highway!

Saturday, October 20, 2007

For the last few months, I've been planning a Website. I thought I'd go with one place, then I changed my mind and switched to another. I wasn't happy with the template options (although the customer service of this particular place was stellar!), so I tried vistaprint.com.

More than business cards are available through this company. They have a variety of Website options, beautiful themed templates that you can make your own, and it's all pretty simple!

If you'd like to browse around and ponder the possibility of building your own Website through vistaprint.com, you'll be glad you did.

Now, for those of you that are curious about my feeble attempt to create my Website, here's the link:

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Well, here she is... my beloved computer armoire. I cherish her to no end!

(Note the stuffed Ziggy and Woody Woodpecker perched atop my monitor and speaker). They're figures from my childhood and it just makes me happy to see them every day, ha ha!

I love this armoire. There's a big file drawer, smaller drawers, shelves for reference books and all kinds of nooks and crannies to store all my writer's goodies.

The smaller books I refer to often are lined up within reach. A pastel floral cup holds my highlighters and pens, and I even have space for a couple of photos and a beautiful writer's block my aunt gave me as a gift.

I love the pullout, too. Not only is there a place for my keyboard, but it's a double pullout (like a desktop!) with plenty of room for my weekly planner, the 3-ring binder I keep my log sheets and manuscripts in, and even a cup of coffee!

On the inside of both doors are cork panels for pinning up more goodies and photos and a handy calendar for easy deadline notes.

I never tire of this cozy writing space! She continues to bring inspiration for my writing and joy to my soul. I feel like my life is all tucked away into this armoire at times. It seems that way anyways.

As this day, October 16th, approached, I began to panic. I had a deadline for a story, and just couldn't seem to get the right feel, the right flow of my words.

It seemed the harder I tried, the more chopped up and butchered my story became. I stepped away from the manuscript for a couple of days. I didn't read it. I thought about it. I tossed ideas around in my mind, but I left it alone.

Last night, I sat down at my computer determined to have a date with my teasing muse. She dangled bits of inspiration just out of my reach for days!

But she finally showed up. We danced for hours last night. She stimulated my mind, tickled my creative nooks, and told my fingers where to land on the keyboard.

Before I knew it, I had finished one story... then two... then a third that I hadn't even considered before!

I'm pleased with our date. It turned out well, much better than I could have imagined.

With the deadline, I felt like an hourglass was looming overhead and sand of golden hues was quickly spilling through the tiny passageway.

As the last granule of sand made its way down the narrow tunnel, I hit save. Thank you, muse, together we make a great team!

May you have the next dance with your muse, and may your hourglass work in your favor as you write the cyber highway...

Upon further thought, I meandered along the cyber highway once again stopping at the free dictionary to get a feel for the word "muse."

As a verb, muse means:

To be absorbed in one's thoughts; engage in meditation.

To consider or say thoughtfully: mused that it might take longer to drive than walk.

As a noun:

A state of meditation.

According to the Thesaurus, as a noun,

muse is the source of an artist's inspiration; "Euterpe was his muse."

And, when used as a verb,

muse reflects deeply on a subject; "I mulled over the events of the afternoon"; "philosophers have speculated on the question of God for thousands of years"; "The scientist must stop to observe and start to excogitate."

Julia, you really got me to thinking. What exactly is my muse? Hmm.... Let's see.... Well.... Um.... I think I might have many muses. Why not? Can't we have many muses? Shouldn't we have many muses?

As a verb, I guess I could say my muse overwhelms me in the still of the night, when silence reigns and inspiration leads to many manuscripts ;0)

As a noun, I'd say my many muses are my parents, my grandparents (although deceased, my memories with them bring endless inspiration), friends, the sun, the sky, my thinking tree, Spring, Fall, (my two favorite seasons), extended family, perhaps even a stranger that says or does something to spark my thoughts, my second grade teacher for telling me, "Michele, when you grow up, you're going to be a writer!", my friend, Renie Burghardt, other freelance writers that have "made it", Maya Angelou, Becca, Rebecca, Amy, a "non blogger friend, Michelle," and yes, even you, Julia--you inspired this very post! I could go on, as I find inspiration for stories by just living and breathing and paying attention to what/who is around me.

There are days I wonder if my muse is on vacation, though. Sometimes, even as my favorite time for writing (late at night) envelops me with its peace, I stare at a blank computer screen simply too tired and uninspired to type a sentence. Not necessarily because I'm clueless about what to write because the possibilities are endless, sometimes the mind just needs a good rest. After all, it works awfully hard for us!

But, there is always hope. With each new day (or night), there is a new opportunity for us to steal away and create with our words and do something no one else can--leave a piece of our heart with our readers.

So, be encouraged, Julia. If you have to, kidnap your muse away from the Holiday Inn!

What do you think, folks? Do you only have one muse? Or do you totally feel uninspired?

Think about it, perhaps even leave a comment, and may you find your muse as you write the cyber highway!

Note, in the text, the reference to http://www.thefreedictionary.com/muse

I trotted across the cyber highway to the free dictionary, and here's what "the R word" actually means:

lacking in refinement or grace

lacking civility or good manners

Which reminded me of an article Amy Derby had published in Writing for Dollars newsletter a while back--Manners Matter for Freelance Writers. In this article, Amy shares her feelings and opinions and even reactions to how she handles RUDE freelance writer's submissions. It's amazing the audacity writers have had in their first emails to her!

Please tell me you would never approach an editor with a haughty attitude, like you're the best writer in the world that doesn't have time to wait a few weeks (like the rest of us) for a reply from a busy editor.

It just seems everywhere we look, listen, or turn these days, rudeness is overwhelming. From road rage, to men knocking women silly as they shove past them in their attempt to barge through the door first, its like chivalry is forever lost. Where are the courteous gentlemen anyways?

Honestly, I was clueless as to what I was going to write about for Writing the Cyber Highway readers. A friend of mine actually inspired this post.

I shared my "blank page frustrations" with her today via email. I also shared a few other things, especially about an event that happened yesterday where the person just showed NO common courtesy, whatsoever.

In her reply, my friend spilled the beans about a few of her experiences with rude customers. She runs a family business, and often receives phone calls getting all the blame for things the customers themselves have failed to do or take note of.

She suggested I discuss rude things that have happened to me, that I'd never myself do--like making someone wait all day and never showing up!

Blogger/Writer friends, I do hope you don't present yourself (online or off) in a rude manner. What does it accomplish?

There are writers that have missed the awesome opportunity to work with Amy Derby, simply because they forgot their manners, for whatever reason.

Friendships are ruined, feelings are hurt, and bad first impressions (which can never be recreated) are etched in stone.

I just personally think that "the R word" should never raise its ugly head, especially when approaching an editor, or anyone, for the first time.

Even after you've known someone for a long while, you don't have to be rude. EVEN if they are rude to us, EVEN if they mistreat us, we don't have to "stoop" to that level and join them, right?

I truly believe with all my heart one of the biggest reasons I'm finding more and more writing success, is the fact that I'm nice. I've even had editors reply in an email that I'm the nicest person they've "talked to" all day!

Kindness, courtesy, respect, genuine concern, sweetness, and patience goes a long way, you all. I think employers, editors, publishers, and mankind in general, are starving for a wholesome, considerate person to pass through their day. Make a great first impression, and you may just hang around to become a full-time writer!

Stand tall, smile, dig deep, and find the goodness that surely lays within each of our hearts, and run from "the R word" as you write the cyber highway (with extra kindness and a smile!)....

Monday, October 8, 2007

Ring a bell? Remember the old adage, Don't count your chickens, before they are hatched? My Grandmother use to warn me of this all the time.... Funny how Grandmothers are never wrong!

Well, I've learned this lesson (again) the hard way.

Let me explain:

A while back, I received an acceptance letter from the editor of an anthology. It had been decided that my story would be included. I received, read, signed, and returned my contract. All was well....or so I thought.

Months went by, and I grew more and more excited about the thought of my special memory being published in this nostalgic anthology.

I even told people my story would be included in this upcoming anthology!

Last night, I received a phone call from the editor. I thought it strange that an editor would call at night, but anxiously answered to find out the reason.

"Hello," I answered.

"I need to speak to Michele Tune." She said.

"This is she," I replied.

"Oh, I'll just go ahead and tell you," She sighed. "It's with a heavy heart, I must tell you that your story has been cut from the book."

"Oh, ok." I said, trying not to sound "sad."

She explained. They had received so many submissions relating to the same theme, they decided to change the whole focus of the book to that angle, which meant 15 of the stories (although the editor assured me they were 15 very well written stories) had to be cut because they no longer "fit the needs of the book."

This editor felt so bad. She told me she just felt terrible.

Of course, I told her it was fine (and, it is) because I completely understand. The theme of the book changed, with good cause. And, some of the stories no longer worked, and mine was one of them.

So, I've said all that to say this. Listen up blogger/writer friends:

Things like this happen. It's sad, sometimes heart-breaking, but it happens. This is where a true writer "shines."

It's at times like this, a tender-hearted writer will push away from pen and paper (or in our day, keyboard), and let their dreams of being a successful writer fade into the far distance.

Am I sad? Yes. Who wouldn't be? I see no point in telling a lie, when the fact is I'm really disappointed! Will I let this little bump in the road slow me down on my way to my dreams? NO!

I've learned that my greatest disappointments and rejections, come right before the best news I've yet to receive!

To top that off, after I sat down at my computer to try and decide which market I would send my story to next (because that's what I do), I noticed an email from another editor. A big, fat rejection was in that email. There again, I began to toss that article around in my head and ponder the next market I would submit it to.

We are winners, either way. We will make it, but only if we persist and take the bad with the good.

Keep in mind that book authors receive 50 + rejections from publishers before their book manuscripts are accepted a lot of times. Could you keep submitting that manuscript?

It's the faithful, dedicated, ever-learning, persistent writers that make it in this world. I'm going to be one of them, are you?

I have a lot of "eggs" out there. I continuously submit articles, inspirational stories, and query different publications. I receive a lot of rejections, but I'm also really beginning to receive a lot of acceptance emails "Good News from so and so", etc. I love emails with"Good news" in the subject line!

I am very determined, so I will accept the reality that my story had to be cut, as well as the other rejection I received last night, and I'll move on. That's the advice I give, because that's what I do on any given day.

Friday, October 5, 2007

This week has been a great week! I've made some sales, spoken to nice editors (via email and telephone), and *fingers crossed* am almost certain that I have managed to secure an ongoing writing gig (I'll be using a pseudonym for this one, as I sometimes do)!

An essay I've sold to a magazine may end up in the online version only, or the print magazine--the editor isn't sure yet. So, I'll share that info when I find out more. I love to write and sell essays, so it's always a joy when these opportunities arise.

Another sale I made was to Common Ties. I sold a quickie in the epiphany category, so that was nice! If all goes as planned, I'll be able to post the link to my quickie, October 15th.

Overall, I'm pleased with my writing progress. I'm learning a lot as I go, and I definitely want to continue to learn and hone my craft.

I never want to think my writing is perfect (it's far from it)!

I'm thrilled that I get to write and sell my words, my thoughts, my expressions.... I can't imagine NOT writing, it's just who I am. I live and breathe and dream and aspire and exist, to write.

Not everyone understands the incessant need a writer feels to write, the burning inspiration we must "splash" onto our pages.

Whether it's a novel, short story, essay, poem, informational article, or even just a diary or blog, I think only we writers understand that passion.

Family and/or friends almost make us feel like our writing is senseless, like it isn't going anywhere, like we should do something "worthwhile", like our writing just doesn't matter.

What they don't understand is that if we didn't write, we would wither away, shrivel up, become gray and part of us would just die.

So, we write... We continue to play the waiting game (after a while, it's second nature), and we write and wait. The waiting pays off, though!

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.2. List eight (8) random facts about yourself.3. Tag eight people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).4. Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving them a comment on their blogs.

Here goes!

8 Things That Make Me,Me:

When I was a kid, my parents owned a pet shop. On any given day, it was the norm for me to allow albino rats and/or mice to crawl all over me (they really are beautiful!)

I had a pet frog named Fred when I was growing up. I also had a pet lizard like Amy, but I can't remember his name ;'-(

Monday, October 1, 2007

Write-from-home.com's October e-zine edition has arrived! My article, "How to Uncover Those Hidden Writer's Guidelines", is right below Susan Johnston's article, "Break in With Front-of-Book Pieces." A third article follows, "Going for the Knockout Punch-line!" by Nadia Ali.

Susan makes excellent points in her piece about FOBs, and Nadia gives awesome information for any of you out there wanting to write for greeting cards. As for me, I was honored to have another of my articles published in the Write-from-Home.com e-zine.

I've said it before, but I'll say it again: "Run over and read the writer's guidelines. Amy Derby is an awesome editor to work with/for, and her site pays well ($75.00 for original, unpublished articles and $30.00 for reprints)!"

Have you ever attended a writer's workshop, conference, or seminar? While there, did anyone ask, "Do you have a card?"

Well, did you have a sleek business card to hand them? OR, did you scramble for a pen and piece of torn paper to jot your contact info down on? Were you embarrassed?

A few months ago, I attended a writer's seminar. The speaker is the author of numerous how-to books, novels, educational literature, magazine articles, etc.

There was a variety of writers (fiction and nonfiction, children's book authors, romance novel authors, etc.) sprinkled throughout the room.

The author of an unpublished children's book was nicely surprised to meet an artist/illustrator. When that author asked the artist for her card, she had to dig for paper and pen. I could sense she was humiliated. Don't let that happen to you!

It's high time to order your business cards, if you haven't done so already. I try to keep mine with me at all times. Even when I run an errand or stop at the grocery store. You never know who you might run into, even if it isn't an editor or publisher. Perhaps a loyal reader will ask for a business card, so they can purchase your book, or a publication you've recently been published in.

All sorts of professionals have business cards to advertise their specialty. Why not have a card to advertise your freelance writing, ghost writing, copy editing/writing, or to draw attention to your latest novel?

Hurry, take this awesome opportunity of savings (as writers do have a tight budget, don't we?), and get your polished business cards today! You'll have them in no time, and you'll never have to hunt for scratch paper again!

Continue writing/advertising on the cyber highway, but don't forget there's a real world too ;-)